Devotion
The Last Supper
Frances Taylor
I used to run a Bible School on Good Friday for children in Kindergarten through grade 5 and I would take them through all of Holy Week. We started by making palms and marching around the hall and finished with an Easter Celebration. Our celebration of the Last Supper became our snack break. I would have the kids who wanted to be the apostles or Jesus to line up and they were chosen at random to fill the spots. The one who got to be Jesus was very happy until he or she found out that he or she needed to wash the feet of the other twelve who were chosen to be the apostles. And, yes, it was sometimes a girl who got to play Jesus! We have been chosen to be disciples and this means that we are the face and hands and feet of Jesus on earth. Jesus depends on us to bring the Good News to others, and most of the time that is by giving example of how Jesus acted during his time on earth. And just like the boy or girl who got to play Jesus in our Bible school, not all is easy. Sometimes we need to do things that are unpleasant. We can forget that Jesus washed the feet of Judas as well as the other 11. He did this knowing that Judas would betray him. When we are called to witness Jesus' love and compassion in situations where we would prefer to walk away, we need to remember this example of Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, it is not always easy to witness love and forgiveness to others, especially when we think of the other person or group as unworthy. Jesus didn't think anyone was unworthy of his love. Help us to be more and more like Jesus. Amen.
Night Prayer
Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Inspiration
We humble ourselves before the Lord when we come to Him with earthly burdens. We understand we do not have the power to control or fix our problems alone, so we lay our egos down and align our lives with the will of God. We are proud to be His servants and accept His help throughout our struggles. His love is unconditional, and His wisdom parallels none other.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we humble ourselves before You, seeking Your wisdom and guidance all the days of our lives. Thank You for Your presence and unfailing love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
You are a Temple of The Holy Spirit
Frances Taylor
This is a hard saying in today's world. Sexual immorality is so rampant and public that few people believe it to be immoral! People no longer think of sexual behavior outside of marriage as wrong and, in fact, have no problem with going from one person to another quite publicly, broadcasting their behavior on social media and if you're famous enough, on twitter, on TV, in magazines, etc. What happened to "Thou shalt not commit adultery?" I guess I'm old fashioned. I'm not about to condemn anyone who truly loves another and is faithful to them regardless of marriage, but I don't understand and cannot condone random sexual encounters that are not based on love but lust, have no desire for permanency but are literally just to satisfy a sexual itch.
Sorry if I offend anyone, but if we believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit to be kept holy, how can we treat them as what – toys, prizes? I'm aware that women have often ...
Morning Prayer
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Inspiration
Think of a grudge that you held on for a long time. Did you feel better from holding this grudge? Now think about this deeper: what if God held a grudge against us? Wow, how blessed we are that he forgives our sins! He leads by example, forgiving those of us that do exactly what he asks us not to do. We all should all be more forgiving, like God is to us.
Prayer
You sent your only son to the world to die so that we may be forgiven, merciful God. Forgive me, once again, for being too selfish and proud to not forgive those that trespass against me. I wish that I can sin less and ask for forgiveness and guidance when I need it. I thank you for sending your son to us, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
